The Power of General Systems Theory: Unlocking Complexity

General Systems Theory is the interdisciplinary study of systems and how they relate and adapt to each other within a more complex system. The key concept of (general) systems theory is that the whole is greater than the sum if its parts.

General system theory can be traced back to the 1940s in the work of the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy. Von Bertalanffy theorized that interactive systems explained the complexity of the world’s problems. Our analytical minds prefer to dismantle and assign cause. Yet. with all our brilliance, we repeatedly fail to solve the world’s most basic problems of crime and poverty. The people we elect to create laws and govern, debate over the correct path to these admirable ends. But no matter who is in office, and which policies they enact, crime and poverty remain amazingly stable.

Donella H. Meadows wrote that no one “deliberately creates those problems”, no one “wants them to persist, but they persist nonetheless.” These social problems are “intrinsically systems problems—undesirable behaviors characteristic of the system structures that produce them” (Meadows, 2008).

General system theory is an alternative to reductionism which attempts to explain the world through a unified limited theory. The theory examines wholes, interdependence, and complexity, examining how smaller systems come together to affect greater complex systems. Singularly, smaller systems are unpredictable when reduced to any single part. Systems theory seeks to explain and develop hypotheses around characteristics that arise within entire systems that seemingly could not arise in any single system or part of a system within the whole. We refer to this as emergent behavior.

What is a System?

A system is a set of things (people, cells, processes, etc…) that when interconnected they produce their own pattern of behavior. Meadows explains, “Every person we encounter, every organization, every animal, garden, tree, and forest is a complex system” (Meadows, 2008). In order to see the world through systems, we must widen our view.

Systems are multidirectional. Within systems, we find sub-systems, and sub-elements, with each sub-system and sub-element consisting of their own sub-system and sub elements. If we look the other direction, we find that the system we identified is also a part of a larger system, connected to other complex systems.

While our institutions are designed to produce certain results, within the institution systems forms on their own accord. While “everything within a system can act dutiful and rational, yet all these well meaning actions too often add up to a perfectly terrible result” (Meadows, 2008). Our typical response, since all the parts appear appropriate, is to do more of the same with more fervent effort.

Emergent Behavior

If a complex system expresses emergent behavior, it has characteristics its properties do not display on their own. Michael S. Gazzaniga, director of the SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind at the University of California, Santa Barbara, describes the emergent process.

Gazzaniga wrote:

“Emergence is when micro-level complex systems that are far from equilibrium (thus allowing for the amplification of random events) self-organize (creative, self-generated, adaptability-seeking behavior) into new structures, with new properties that previously did not exist, to form a new level of organization on the macro level” (Gazzaniga, 2011).

We may refer to the emergent behavior as the systems function or purpose. Meadows explains, “A system’s function or purpose is not necessarily spoken, written, or expressed explicitly, except through the operation of the system. The best way to deduce the system’s purpose is to watch for a while to see how the system behaves” (Meadows, 2008). Systems naturally and spontaneously form, typically not by design, and from these systems emerge behaviors, not necessarily desirable.

Psychology and General Systems Theory

Systems is all about multiple parts, connections, and emergent behavior Understanding systems becomes an integral part of neuroscience, social science, and intimate human relationships. Through the vast network of neurons, and internal and external elements emerges consciousness, emotions, motivations, and survival.

Daniel J. Siegel, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, explains human connection through the systems lens. As an example he describes person A as an individual with their own thoughts, emotions, and history. He them introduces person B, also with their own individual parts. If A and B form a relationship with each other, they send signals back and forth that alter the internal functioning of the other. He explains, “A and B come to function as a supersystem, AB. One can no longer reduce the interactions of A and B to the subcomponents A and B; AB is an irreducible system” (Siegel, 2020).

Ed Tronick adds to Siegel’s concept of two people creating a supersystem by explaining the dyadic emotional relationship between two people.

Tronick wrote:

“Dyadic processes change emotions and generate new ones, such as relational emotions. These dyadic processes may also be messier than self-organized emotional meanings because each individual brings his or her own meanings into a meaning-making exchange, enabling a possible cocreation of new emotional meaning between the two” (Tronick, 2009).

Associated Concepts

Design Thinking: This refers to a problem-solving methodology that is often used to tackle complex issues and create innovative solutions. It involves a human-centric approach, emphasizing the understanding of the people for whom you are designing products or services.
Reciprocal Determinism: This is a concept of Albert Bandura, describing the dynamic interaction between behavior, personal factors, and the environment.
Self-System: This concept of Harry Stack Sullivan the individual system that aids in managing anxiety and balancing inner conflicts between the ‘good me’ and ‘bad me.’ It also plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and personality development.
Exposome: This concept refers to all environmental exposures and experiences that shape our physical and mental health. Researching the exposome offers insights for public health and personalized medicine. Individuals can modify some elements for better health.
Homeostasis: A steady state of balance within a system. A system is always moving toward homeostasis by adapting to other influencing systems.
Adaptation: A system’s tendency to make changes that protect homeostasis when impacted by new environmental factors.
Feedback loop: A systems internal intelligence measuring impacts of self adjusting changes, causing a circularly system of micro adjustments until homeostatic balance is reached.

A Few Words By Psychology Fanatic

In the intricate dance of systems, where every component is interconnected, General Systems Theory brings light to the vast complexity of a universe full of life. Dynamic parts continually function together, bringing together a masterpiece in the museum of life. As we close this exploration, let us carry forward the wisdom that strength lies in unity, in diversity we find potential, and in synergy exists the future.

Understanding systems is key to opening the door to the world of relationships. General systems theory scratches the surface of the functioning of this complex and magnificent world in which we live. May we apply these principles to navigate the complexities of life, and in doing so, create a world that thrives on the harmonious interplay of its countless systems.

Last Update: February 1, 2026

References:

Gazzaniga, Michael S. (2011). Who’s in Charge?: Free Will and the Science of the Brain. ‎Harper-Collins Publisher; Reprint edition. ISBN-10: 0062096834
(Return to Main Text)

Meadows, Donnella H. (2008). Thinking in Systems. Chelsea Green Publishing; Illustrated edition. ISBN-10: 1603580557
(Return to Main Text)

Siegel, Daniel J. (2020). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. The Guilford Press; 3rd edition. ISBN-10: 1462542751; APA Record: 2012-12726-000
(Return to Main Text)

Tronick, Ed (2009). Multilevel Meaning Making and Dyadic Expansion of Consciousness Theory The Emotional and the Polymorphic Polysemic Flow of Meaning. In: Daniel J. Siegel, Marion Solomon, and Diana Fosha (eds.), The Healing Power of Emotion: Affective Neuroscience, Development & Clinical Practice. ‎W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition. ISBN-10: 039370548X; APA Record: 2009-20446-000
(Return to Main Text)

Life is Complex. Psychology Fanatic article feature image

Psychology Fanatic

General Systems Theory